The Outsiders Novel Essay

Authors Avatar by msabry100 (student)

Mohamed Sabry 9R                                                             25/5/2012

Outsiders Essay – Essay Title Number Two

        The Outsiders is an exceptionally disreputable and provocative novel published in 1967 by author S.E Hinton. The novel predominantly addresses numerous societal matters existent during the 1960’s. Said issues include socioeconomic segregation, dysfunctional families, and violence amongst the adolescent population. Throughout this essay, I will focus upon the issue of dysfunctional families, specifically the Curtis Brothers and how their relationship is sustained and nourished as the novel progresses. For we can see that each of the character’s scrutiny towards his siblings is altered as the novel progresses, mostly in a positive manner as is seen in the character of Ponyboy.

Firstly, I would like to examine the character Ponyboy, since he is the primary character within the novel as well as being somewhat secluded from the group. This is ostensible from Ponyboy’s comportment and hobbies, for he enjoys more sentimental aspects as well as the intellectual aspect of life. Whereas the Greasers in general seem to have lost the virtuous quality and passion that Ponyboy has been proficient at retaining. Through the interpretation of the novel we see that the title of the novel contains great symbolic meaning, in reference to the greasers as well as Ponyboy. For it is perceptible that the Greasers are seen as a burden to their society, as well as being referred to by the media in specific as juvenile delinquents due to their irrational behavior and disruption to the peace and serenity of society. Thus the group is isolated from their community and treated as outsiders. Amongst the group itself we can also witness how Ponyboy is isolated from the group due to the aforementioned reasons of him relishing the placatory and emotive properties of life such as sunsets and poems.  

Join now!

It is for that reason that Ponyboy is the foremost character within the novel. This is due to the fact that he exhibits sentiments and activities that extricate him from his acquaintances, which are presumed to be analogous to him in every aspect conceivable by society.  However this assumption is revealed to be false as we see that Ponyboy is contradictory to his brother Darrell on numerous occurrences. Ponyboy resolutely believes that Darrell perceives him as a nuisance to him and their household, since he persistently scolds him and chastises him on several occasions. This quote also emphasizes Ponyboy’s stance ...

This is a preview of the whole essay